Free One True Love by Lisa Follett

turned her around. William reached around her and kneaded her breasts. Her head fell back onto his shoulder. She moaned. Another moan, one from an earlier encounter during the day breached his consciousness. He shook it off and began unbuttoning her dress.
     
    He had her naked within moments. William wrapped his arms around her, and reached down to her center. Her back pressed against his chest and her bare bottom against his groin. He touched her tiny bud and watched her large breasts heave. His hardness pressed against her, thrusting slowly, tantalizing her with what was to come.
     
    He wanted to pound his frustrations into her. He removed his hands and unbuttoned his breeches, relieving his swollen cock. He rubbed himself against her bottom, then bent her over a table, her breasts mashed against the cool wood, and took her. He pumped and pumped and pumped until she cried and screamed and shattered. He pulled out in time to spare her his seed and an unwanted pregnancy.
     
    She stood and turned and slid her hands up his chest. "Oh my. I believe that was well worth the unplanned stop. Do you think we could find a bed and repeat the performance?"
     
    They dressed and moved through the halls until they came to a guest room, not his bedchamber, no, he would not take her to his bed. As soon as they reached the room he closed the door and stripped her again of her clothes. They tumbled onto the bed and repeated their "performance" over and over again, well into the night. It wasn't until she fell asleep, exhausted and sated, that he stared at the ceiling and felt the guilt choke him.
     
    What did he have to feel guilty about? Miss Chambers was betrothed to another man. Lady Quartermane was a widow, available, and willing. Why did he feel as if he betrayed someone? And why did he feel so deeply unsatisfied and empty? As if his pleasure were truly his pain.
     
    ***
     
    Dinner at the Chambers table went on forever. Cassie pushed her potatoes around her plate, trying to listen to the conversation, and contribute, in vain. Her family did not know about Mr. Parker's arrival today. They were out visiting families in need when he came and left. Considering her fateful decision, she did not mention his visit, and certainly not their discussion. She even impressed on the staff that she wanted to surprise them tomorrow when Mr. Parker came to call, and to please not reveal her secret. Little did they know of her true intent.
     
    She already made her decision. She packed her bag and stuffed it into her wardrobe. She would meet Mr. Parker at midnight, then run off to Gretna Green with him. By the time they returned, she would be a married woman. She would bear her family's disappointment, for she knew Mr. Parker was right, they loved her and would eventually forgive her. It would not be easy at first, but once they saw her happiness, they would relent. And she would be free of Lord William.
     
    Once Mr. Parker took her to his bed and made her his wife, she was sure her mind would clear. In time, she would forget Lord William, and her guilt and shame would slowly disappear. She was sure of it.
     
    "Cassie, is there something on your mind? You are quiet tonight," asked her mother.
     
    She nearly dropped her fork. She looked up and saw her family looking at her as if she suddenly had spots on her face. Did they know? How could they possibly know? Surely the staff did not reveal her secret. "I am tired, that is all. Today's visit to Mulberry House wore me out. I think I will retire early tonight."
     
    Her mother's brows creased together in concern. Her father turned back to his plate, and Jocelyn lifted her brow, showing her disbelief. Jocelyn always knew when something bothered Cassie. She would most likely come to her room later and hound her until she broke. Well, she would have to pretend sleep. She could not tell Jocelyn what she planned to do.
     
    After dinner, she excused herself and went to her room. She took her time writing a